&#34;Hole-In&#34; Cravat / Necktie Improvement

ABSTRACT

A “hole-in” cravat comprises a central nape portion for fitting around a neck and opposite first and second end portions of the cravat wherein at least one opening is provided through the first end portion of the cravat wherein the second end portion is fed through the at least one opening or wherein an adornment is displayed within the at least one opening.

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No.62/308947, filed on Mar. 16, 2016, and herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

(1) TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to neckties, and more particularly, to improvednecktie designs.

(2) BACKGROUND

Through the centuries cravats have continued to evolve and change infunction and form. Common neckties, bow ties, and ascots have been wornfor the likes of utility, comfort, personal taste, or to satisfy socialexpectations.

These ties are worn and accepted items of neck wear for business men andincreasingly women at formal and semiformal gatherings of various sorts.They have remained largely unchanged for many decades despite a fewnotable innovative contributions in either form or design in the pastcentury or more.

The bolo tie and others have caught on in certain social circles whichshare a strong cultural identity such as is found in western wear. Thereare also metal ties, lighted ties and bejeweled ties, ascots withbuttons and the like. Yet relatively few of these alternatives to thecommon necktie have penetrated the mainstream necktie wearing communityconsciousness and moved beyond novelty to the point of generalacceptance.

Many modern persons entering the professional arena and frequentingsocial gatherings where neckties are expected to be seen or worn findthemselves without a connection to the basic staple that is the currentnecktie, consisting of a blade (large end), nape/neck section and a tail(smaller end) nor its closest cousin, the ascot (with basically twoequally wide ends), which is commonly used in less formal settings andso find themselves seeking a modern acceptable option.

Often colors and prints on the fabric(s) or materials are the mostobvious variations between one necktie or ascot and another. There arealso commonly accepted knots one can employ in choosing how such areworn. 85 is the most common number given as to ways to knot a cravat.Some knotting techniques are vastly more popular than others and havebecome no longer very impactful in expressing individuality, flare, orstyle. The incorporation of pins and clasps, various tie holders, andaccessories have aided and varied the experience for some patrons ofneck wear but none have done for cravats in general what the “hole-in”cravat improvement will do.

SUMMARY

A principal object of the present disclosure is to provide an improvednecktie, ascot, or bowtie having a hole-in feature.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a method for using a“hole-in” cravat.

In accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a hole-in necktie isprovided. A cravat comprises a central nape portion for fitting around aneck and opposite first and second end portions of the cravat wherein atleast one opening is provided through the first end portion of thecravat wherein the second end portion is fed through the at least oneopening or wherein an adornment is displayed within the at least oneopening.

Also in accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a method formaking a cravat is provided. A cravat is provided comprising a centralnape portion for fitting around a neck and opposite first and second endportions of the cravat. At least one “hole-in” opening is made throughthe first end portion of the cravat wherein the second end portion isknotted and then fed through the at least one opening or wherein anadornment is displayed within the at least one opening.

Also in accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a method forwearing a cravat is provided. A cravat is provided comprising a centralnape portion for fitting around a neck and opposite first and second endportions of the cravat and at least one “hole-in” opening through thefirst end portion of the cravat or the nape portion of the cravat. Thecravat is worn in one or more of the following ways: feeding the secondend portion through the at least one opening from front to back of thefirst end portion, wherein there are at least two openings and lacingthe second end portion upward through a first of the at least twoopenings and downward through a second of the at least two openings toprovide a lacing effect and displaying an underlying garment or anadornment within the at least one opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of thisdescription, there is shown:

FIG. 1 illustrates a common necktie of the prior art.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a “hole-in” necktie of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate embodiments of a “hole-in” necktie of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of a “hole-in” ascot of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate embodiments of a “hole-in” bowtie of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a glossary of terms used in the present disclosure:

Ascot: An ascot tie, or ascot, is a neckband usually with equally widewings or blades. Often made of silk, this wide formal or semi-formal tieis usually patterned, folded over, and fastened with a stickpin or tietack or simply tucked into one's open shirt or sweater.

Bowtie: The bow tie

is a type of necktie. A modern bow tie is tied using a common shoelaceknot, which is also called the bow knot for that reason. It consists ofa ribbon of fabric tied around the collar of a shirt in a symmetricalmanner so that the two opposite ends form loops.

Cravat: A piece of fabric or material, usually silk, utilized toprotect, adorn or otherwise cover the neck or neck area. The modernnecktie, ascot, and bowtie are all descended from the cravat and so itis here used to encompass and include all modern variations anddescendants of itself.

Finish or finishing: This refers to the organized or intentionaltermination or edging of material as opposed to leaving a cut materialunbound or its outer edge frayed.

“Hole-in” Cravat Improvement: refers to the claimed disclosure, alsoabbreviated “Hole-In” and inclusive of any assumed name(s) it might bemarketed under in the future. Described as the method and process ofadding an opening or openings either via slit(s), slot, punch, incisionor other hole opening methods through the body of any cravat, eitherduring its manufacture or as a means to modify an existing cravat; thusexpanding the appeal, versatility, and wearability of same.

Necktie: a neckband with two ends of differing widths worn around theneck, tied and displayed in front of the wearer consisting of a blade(large end), nape/neck section and a tail (smaller end).

Openings: Openings are here used to describe holes that are madeintentionally through the material of the body of a cravat. Openingwidth(s) and length(s) and shape depend upon the intended effect uponthe cravat to be specified in individual cases which is why thefinishing of the holes is open to design choices later.

A common necktie 10 is shown in FIG. 1, having a tail 26, a nape 14, anda blade 24. The tie is shown after being threaded through a shirt collar18.

The present disclosure describes the addition(s) of “hole in” cravatimprovement openings either via slit(s), slot, punch, incision or otherhole opening methods through the body of the any cravat, either duringits manufacture or as a means to modify an existing cravat thusexpanding the appeal, versatility and wearability of same.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 2A, of a “hole-in” cravat beingdisclosed, a cravat 20 has a single hole 22 through one of the ends 24.FIG. 2B illustrates a “hole-in” cravat having two oval openings 22 inthe end 24. The cravat 20 in FIG. 2C has openings 22 in both ends 24.

The positioning and number of openings shown in FIG. 2 is forillustration only—there could be one or more than one opening, and theopening(s) can be located anywhere on either one or both ends of thecravat or even on the nape area. In the case of a necktie having a blade24 and a tail, the opening(s) can be in any number or position on theblade 24 and/or tail. A person could wish to wear a collarless shirt andhave something displayed within one or more hole-in openings on the napeof the cravat.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate uses of the “hole-in” feature. FIG. 3Aillustrates a necktie 20 having a single oval “hole-in” opening 22 inblade 24. A single hole such as that shown in FIG. 2A would allow theuser to add a “diving” look during tying of the necktie, as shown inFIG. 3A. The tail 26 is knotted in front of the blade, then “dives”through the opening 22 to lie behind the blade. Alternately, the tailcould be knotted behind the blade. FIG. 3B shows the “hole-in” 22 havinga slit or a diamond shape with a soft-sewn finish. The tail 22 isknotted in front of the blade, then “dives” through the opening 22 tolie behind the blade.

In FIG. 3C, four horizontal “hole-in” openings 22 are shown in avertical pattern on the blade 24. The tail 26 can be weaved upward andthen downward through the four openings from top to bottom to give alacing effect, as shown.

In FIG. 3D, four horizontal “hole-in” openings 22 are shown in ahorizontal pattern on the blade 24. The tail 26 can be weaved upward andthen downward through the four openings from side to side to give alacing effect, as shown.

In FIG. 3E, necktie 20 has “hole-in” openings 22 down the length of theblade 24. In FIG. 3F, there are two openings 22 near the top of theblade and one near the bottom of the blade. For example, the twoopenings near the top of the blade could be used to provide a “singlestitch” effort and the bottom opening could be used to display anadornment. The number and placement of the “hole-in” openings can bevaried as shown or in other combinations to provide a single “dive,”“single stitch,” “multiple stitch,” or display opening(s) or anycombination thereof allowed by necktie size and integrity. The openingscan be used for whatever the final customer chooses to use them for:stitch, display or view through (in which the cravat is tied in theordinary manner with neither tie parts nor displays placed nor passedthrough).

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate “hole-in” ascots of the present disclosure.In the ascot shown in FIG. 4A, “hole-in” openings 22 are provided ineach of the two ends 24. The ascot shown in FIG. 4B has a “hole-in”opening 22 only on one end 24. “Hole-in” openings may be of anyappropriate shape and may be on one end or both ends. If “hole-in”openings are on both ends as in FIG. 4A, their orientation and sizeshould be chosen so as to allow for one end with its opening 22 to passthrough the opening 22 on the opposite end.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bowtie 30 having a “hole-in” opening 32 on eachside of the front sections 34. The right side of the figure shows therear section 36 that has been passed through the opening 32 to the frontto create another bow look.

Various adornments can be set, hung, embedded or otherwise displayedinside the “hole-in” openings. Items include but are not limited to:cameos, coins, pictures, jewels, mementos, hardware, electronics, and soon. FIG. 5B illustrates, for example, a jewel 38 in the “hole-in”opening 32 on the left side of the figure and a lighted insert 39 in the“hole-in” opening 32 on the right side of the figure. An item to bedisplayed would likely need to be affixed to the opening by a jeweller,by magnets, by stitching or whatever other means can be devised.

When openings are within an area of the body of the cravat; that area ofthe body either in one or the other end in case of an ascot (FIG. 4B),both ends of a bowtie (FIGS. 5A-B) or ascot (FIG. 4B) or the upper blade(FIGS. 3A-3F) and or in the central part of the tail as in the case ofan otherwise common necktie, the item becomes far more versatile in itsform and ability to be arranged and/or knotted in new and unique wayswhile retaining the most recognizable attributes of the cravat. Theaddition of the openings still allows for existing knots to be usedwhile enhancing the overall look by the additional options of “lacing”(FIGS. 3C-3D) and/or “diving” (FIG. 3A) the cravat parts into each othervia the “hole-in” openings.

Additionally by placing “hole-in” openings within a cravat the user isprovided an optional path for discovering new ways of knotting or, ifone chooses, these openings afford view-through of an underlying shirtor space for various accoutrements to be placed, hung and otherwisedisplayed utilizing the “hole-in” openings (FIGS. 3F and 5B).

These “hole-in” openings can be, depending on preference, leftunfinished or be finished in a variety of ways, including but notlimited to, tucking, sewing and gluing of material edges if any wereexposed in the process of creating the openings, or by the fastening ofhardware, including, but not limited to, eyelets or grommets within theholes created thereby completing or “finishing” the look and quality ina manner consistent and complementary to the construction and appearanceof the cravat.

With properly installed and finished “hole-In” openings a wearer canchoose to use the “hole-in” openings to alternate “displayed”,“embedded”, “hung” or “framed” items, et al. In this instance, “hole-in”openings should ideally be fitted with materials complementary to and/orfound to be sturdy enough to aid in the secure containment, support anddisplay of such items, including but not limited to, pictures, coins,cameos and jewels while not compromising the overall appeal and/orutility of the cravat.

While recognizing that the “hole-in” cravat improvement is mosteffectively applied during manufacture and that it can be employed withor without finishing the openings, as previously mentioned, it must alsobe recognized that the “hole-In” cravat improvement can be applied topreviously manufactured cravats either before or after their sale to thepublic. Owners of existing cravats may wish to utilize the “hole-In”cravat improvements disclosed herein to enhance one or more cravatsalready in their possession. It is envisioned that a kit could beprovided to owners of cravats who wished to make their own modificationsof their cravat(s) in accordance with the disclosure. This could entailproviding instructions indicating how to apply the hardware (how to cutit in, site selection, etc.) with suggested locations for the “hole-in”feature including diagrams. Suggested knotting techniques that work wellwith cravats utilizing the “hole in” feature could also be provided,including step by step instructions, and a link to a web videodemonstration. In addition, hardware could be included, such as “hole”trim (with a metal of the user's choice) and screws or fasteners asneeded, and a jewel to display if desired.

The expected best mode of effecting the “hole-In” cravat improvementwould include the careful creation of well placed hole(s) through thematerial of the cravat an inch or two below where that material exitsthe bottom of the chosen knotting most likely to be used with thatcravat. The holes would be created to fit small flanged, high quality,polished or finished metal oval or slotted hardware consisting of twoparts used to clamp through the hole(s) to each other thus securing thehardware to the material and finishing the look. The placement andsize/shape of the holes should be such to allow for the “stitching”and/or “diving” techniques aforementioned as well as the “display” andembedding of items if desired.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has beenillustrated, and that form has been described in detail, it will bereadily understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit ofthe disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cravat comprising: a central nape portion forfitting around a neck and opposite first and second end portions of saidcravat wherein at least one opening is provided through said first endportion of said cravat wherein said second end portion can be fedthrough said at least one opening or wherein an adornment can bedisplayed within said at least one opening.
 2. The cravat according toclaim 1 wherein at least two or more openings are provided through saidfirst end portion of said cravat wherein said second end portion islaced upward through a first of said at least two or more openings anddownward through a second of said at least two or more openings toprovide a lacing effect.
 3. The cravat according to claim 1 wherein saidat least one opening is provided in either or both of said first andsecond end portions or in said nape portion.
 4. The cravat according toclaim 1 wherein said cravat is a necktie, ascot, or bowtie.
 5. Thecravat according to claim 1 wherein more than one opening is provided insaid first end portion of said cravat and wherein said more than oneopenings are vertically aligned or horizontally aligned with oneanother.
 6. The cravat according to claim 1 wherein said at least oneopening is in the form of a slit, slot, punch, incision or other holeopening methods through said first or said second end portion of saidcravat, either during its manufacture or as a means to modify anexisting cravat.
 7. The cravat according to claim 1 wherein saidadornment is displayed in said opening by setting, hanging, or embeddingsaid adornment.
 8. The cravat according to claim 1 wherein saidadornment is one or more of a group comprising a cameo, coin, picture,jewel, memento, hardware, and electronic item.
 9. The cravat accordingto claim 1 wherein said at least one opening is fitted with materialscomplementary to or found to be sturdy enough to aid in securecontainment, support, and display of said adornment.
 10. The cravataccording to claim 1 wherein said at least one opening is leftunfinished or is finished by tucking, sewing, or gluing of edges exposedby a process of creating said opening, or is finished by fasteninghardware within said opening wherein said hardware comprises eyelets orgrommets.
 11. A method of making a cravat comprising: providing a cravatcomprising a central nape portion for fitting around a neck and oppositefirst and second end portions of said cravat; and opening at least one“hole-in” opening through said first end portion of said cravat whereinsaid second end portion can be fed through said at least one opening orwherein an adornment can be displayed within said at least one opening.12. The method according to claim 11 wherein said at least one “hole-in”opening is made during the process of manufacturing said cravat.
 13. Themethod according to claim 11 wherein said at least one “hole-in” openingis made in an existing said cravat.
 14. The method according to claim 11wherein said cravat is a necktie, ascot, or bowtie.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 11 further comprising fitting said at least oneopening with materials complementary to or found to be sturdy enough toaid in secure containment, support, and display of said adornment. 16.The method according to claim 11 further comprising: leaving unfinishedsaid at least one opening; or finishing said at least one opening bytucking, sewing, or gluing of edges exposed by a process of creatingsaid opening; or finishing said at least one opening by fasteninghardware within said opening wherein said hardware comprises eyelets orgrommets.
 17. A method of wearing a cravat comprising: providing acravat comprising a central nape portion for fitting around a neck andopposite first and second end portions of said cravat and at least one“hole-in” opening through said first end portion of said cravat orthrough said nape of said cravat; and wearing said cravat in one or moreof the following ways: feeding said second end portion through said atleast one opening from front to back of said first end portion; whereinthere are at least two openings and lacing said second end portionupward through a first of said at least two openings and downwardthrough a second of said at least two openings to provide a lacingeffect; and displaying an underlying garment or an adornment within saidat least one opening.
 18. The method according to claim 1 wherein saidcravat is a necktie, ascot, or bowtie.